Project: Newberry County Land Stewards La Pine Cleanup
Location: La Pine, Oregon
Description: On Saturday, May 9, 2026, a total of 30 volunteers worked alongside the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to conduct a cleanup and restoration project in an area south of La Pine, Oregon that had been heavily impacted by illegal dumping, human debris, and waste accumulation from surrounding areas.
The project focused on restoring public lands and improving recreational trail conditions across approximately 10 miles of trail systems. Volunteers removed discarded trash, debris, and waste materials that posed environmental hazards and negatively impacted the natural beauty and usability of the area.
Through the collective efforts of volunteers and partner organizations, approximately 1,500 pounds of trash were successfully removed and properly disposed of. The cleanup effort significantly improved the health and safety of the area while helping to reduce wildfire risk caused by debris and combustible waste left along the trails and surrounding landscape.
In addition to reducing wildfire hazards, the restoration project supports long-term flora and fauna rehabilitation by removing pollutants and restoring healthier natural conditions for native plant and wildlife habitats. The event also reinforced the importance of responsible recreation, stewardship, and community involvement in protecting Oregon’s public lands for future generations.
Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
• Bureau of Land Management
• Newberry County Land Stewards
• La Pine Fire
“Projects like the La Pine Cleanup demonstrate the incredible impact volunteers can have when communities come together to care for public lands. Removing 1,500 pounds of trash from these trails not only improves recreation opportunities, but also helps reduce wildfire risk and creates healthier habitat conditions for local wildlife and native vegetation. We are proud to partner with the Bureau of Land Management, La Pine Fire, and the Newberry County Land Stewards to protect and restore Oregon’s outdoor spaces for future generations.”-Grace Schuessler, Tread Lightly! Oregon Program Manager
Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events and grant opportunities at Tread Lightly!.
